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Aneurysm (Brain)

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually is a brain aneurysm?

An aneurysm occurs when a portion of one of the brain's blood arteries bulges or balloons. An aneurysm's size and form might fluctuate. These and other criteria are taken into account by doctors when deciding whether or not to treat you. When determining how big of a threat an aneurysm poses to your health, doctors evaluate crucial aneurysm features.


What is the distinction between a ruptured aneurysm and an unruptured aneurysm?

A ruptured aneurysm, also known as a brain hemorrhage, occurs when blood breaks through the aneurysm's wall and begins to bleed. This creates severe symptoms, such as a terrible headache you've never had before, and need quick medical attention. Patients can typically recover completely if they get prompt, skilled care.

Doctors will treat aneurysms that are more prone to bleed and leave others alone in the case of unruptured brain aneurysms.


What is the appearance of an aneurysm?

An aneurysm appears as a bubble or blister in a blood artery under a surgical microscope. The surrounding arteries are rosy in hue when they are healthy. Because of a deficiency in the intermediate layer of the aneurysm's muscle wall, the aneurysm appears more reddish. The majority of aneurysms have one of two main shapes:

Saccular aneurysms, also known as berry aneurysms, are spherical structures that protrude from one side of a vessel wall. The majority of brain aneurysms identified nowadays are of this kind.

Fusiform aneurysms are sometimes known as "spindle-shaped aneurysms." These resemble a snake that has eaten a rat, with inflating on both sides instead of just one.

Unlike saccular aneurysms, these aneurysms occur outside the brain and can develop in blood channels throughout the body.





What is the cause of a brain aneurysm?

There are two major variables that might contribute to the formation of an aneurysm:

Genetics: Doctors think that certain individuals are born with a deficiency in the intermediate layer of tissue in their blood arteries. This layer gives a healthy blood vessel strength and stability. If the layer is absent or damaged, the chance of developing an aneurysm increases.

Aneurysms can form as a result of the hammering of blood through a faulty vessel over time. However, some disorders, like as hypertension (high blood pressure), enhance a person's chance of developing an aneurysm.

  • Inflammation in the body

  • Tobacco use


How common are aneurysms inside the brain?

Brain aneurysms are uncommon. According to one study that looked at 68 aneurysm studies from 21 nations, the prevalence is around 3%. That indicates that around three out of every hundred persons in the general population have a brain aneurysm.

Author

Dr Suman Bhattarai, MD (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist

Dr Suman Bhattarai, MD (Neurology) 
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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